Is Now the Time for Jim Harbaugh to Go Back to the NFL? Odds Say He Stays at Michigan in 2020

• Jim Harbaugh is in his fifth year of a seven-year contract at Michigan
• The Wolverines have yet to meet expectations under the high-profile coach
• The odds still strongly favor Harbaugh returning to Michigan instead of jumping back to the NFL in 2020

Thanks to Michigan’s dominant 45-15 win over #8 Notre Dame on Saturday night, head coach Jim Harbaugh was able to slow the churn of the rumor mill. The win was just Michigan’s second against a top-ten team in his five seasons as coach.

Even with two losses already this season and a looming battle with an Ohio State program that Harbaugh’s never beaten less than a month away, Michigan has stopped the bleeding. The team has played six straight quarters of good football against two top-ten teams in Penn State and Notre Dame.

In less than a month, the odds of Harbaugh staying at Michigan moved from -140 to -250, despite significant noise surrounding a potential return to the NFL, where Harbaugh had considerable success leading the San Francisco 49ers.

Odds on Where Jim Harbaugh Will Coach in 2020

Odds collected Oct. 30.

Even in a driving rainstorm, Michigan’s offense was able to put the pedal to the floor against the then-#8 Fighting Irish. While Zach Charbonnet isn’t exactly Karan Higdon in terms of talent, the Wolverines may have finally found their lead back to complement its passing attack.

Throw in defensive coordinator Dom Brown’s stifling man-coverage system and the Wolverines at least have a pulse.

Harbaugh’s a Michigan Man

This was all supposed to be straightforward, the prodigal son returning to the mythical program he played at to restore the Wolverines to their former glory. Yet, against arch-rival Ohio State, he has considerably more egg-on-face moments than wins (zero).

His struggles against quality competition and his success at the NFL level have fueled speculation about an exit strategy. However, according to both Harbaugh himself and those who know him, he doesn’t have a full-time agent right now.

Jim Harbaugh refutes rumors of interest in the NFL: “I don’t even have an agent or representative.” pic.twitter.com/SyHDn3rsO2

— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) October 23, 2019

If anyone defines the University of Michigan, it’s Harbaugh and he doesn’t take that responsibility lightly.

I can’t imagine a world in which Michigan would fire Harbaugh (especially with the amount of money left on his contract), and with those around him saying he’s committed to the job, the king of khakis will stay in Ann Arbor.

The NFL Candidates

On the off chance Harbaugh does decide to leave, there are several NFL teams that could or will need a head coach come January.

• The disappointing 2-5 Cleveland Browns with a first-time head coach who’s overwhelmed
• The dead-in-the-water 1-6 Atlanta Falcons with a coach who’s underachieving
• The never-improving 1-6 Washington Redskins who have an interim coach
• The 2-5 New York Giants who need their rookie QB Daniel Jones to grow
• The 1-6 New York Jets with a first-year coach that was an uninspired hire from the outset

None of these teams scream potential Harbaugh landing spot. Of the six, the Giants and Browns would make the most sense given Harbaugh’s track record with improving quarterback play. While it’s been rough under center at Michigan, in the NFL, he got elite play out of both Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick.

But those are still longshot options and the incumbent remains the best bet.

Pick: Michigan (-250)